The number of applicants claiming unemployment benefits dropped unexpectedly last week showing the growing strength in the U.S. economy, a Wednesday report released by the US Labor Department revealed.Dec 25, 2014

Brent crude prices increased 2 percent to $63 on Monday as investors believed that prices would remain around $60 for the rest of the year. News of the spike comes right after Saudi Arabia defended its decision to not impose any cuts on oil production and said they would stick to it.Dec 22, 2014